WHY IT'S CUTTING — Like you, I've been watching this AIG bonus story unfold over the weekend. And though I did not see it at first, I think it may prove to be a turning point, both for AIG and the government. — I don't believe the bonuses themselves are the heart of the matter …

Cuomo Seeks A.I.G. Bonus Information — Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo of New York on Monday sent a letter to the American International Group, demanding more information about the employees who are set to receive about $165 million in bonus payments. — Mr. Cuomo's letter …

Obama to Appear on ‘Tonight Show’ — Barack Obama appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” in 2007 when he was running for president. — President Obama will be making a guest appearance on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” on Thursday, a White House official said …

Free Larry Summers — Why the White House needs to unshackle its economic oracle. — On a typical day, Larry Summers, the top White House economic adviser, sits in his office overlooking the Rose Garden and receives a near-endless succession of aides working on a stunning variety of issues.

Why the GOP Can't Win With Minorities — Today conservatism is stigmatized in our culture as an antiminority political philosophy. In certain quarters, conservatism is simply racism by another name. And minorities who openly identify themselves as conservatives are still novelties, fish out of water.

A Continent Adrift — I'm concerned about Europe. Actually, I'm concerned about the whole world — there are no safe havens from the global economic storm. But the situation in Europe worries me even more than the situation in America. — Just to be clear, I'm not about to rehash …

An Immigration Glitch for Gay Couples Is Unjust — THE UNITING American Families Act would allow gay and lesbian Americans and permanent residents to sponsor their foreign-born partners for legal residency in the United States. The bill, introduced last month in the Senate by Patrick Leahy …

To Urge Passage of Budget, Obama E-Mails His Campaign Army — President Obama will kick off an all-out grass-roots effort today urging Congress to pass his $3.55 trillion budget, activating the extensive campaign apparatus he built during his successful 2008 candidacy for the first time since taking office.

Fareed Zakaria — PostGlobal co-moderator Fareed Zakaria is editor of Newsweek International, overseeing all Newsweek's editions abroad. He writes a regular column for Newsweek, which also appears in Newsweek International and often The Washington Post. He is a member of the roundtable of ABC News' …

FIRST THOUGHTS: RAGE AGAINST THE MACHINE — From Chuck Todd, Mark Murray, and Domenico Montanaro — *** Rage against the machine: Anger at Wall Street and at America's financial institutions has been simmering for a while now — the numerous bailouts, Bernie Madoff, and Jon Stewart vs. CNBC have been just a few examples.

3 Percent — Ta-Nehisi links to the latest numbers on HIV in DC. This commenter's response is worth pondering. It's not a matter of resources. It's a matter of finding a way to reach the most beleaguered and at-risk population: African-American men who have sex with men (and then women).

Netanyahu Strikes Deal With Rival's Far-Right Party — JERUSALEM — The leader of a controversial nationalist political party in Israel, Avigdor Lieberman, has agreed to join Prime Minister designate Benjamin Netanyahu's government in exchange for an appointment as foreign minister and a handful …

U.S. Military Confirms It Shot Down Iranian Drone — Last month, a U.S. fighter aircraft tracked and shot down an Iranian drone. Details — first reported by Danger Room — have been elusive, but the U.S. military has now confirmed the incident. — Multinational Forces Iraq spokesman …

AIG Bonus Babies — The AIG moment feels like a big one. Public distaste for both the Bush and Obama administrations' handling of the financial crisis seems to be crystallizing in response to the reports of bonuses for executives at the AIG financial products subsidiary …

Sexual Politics — How long has it been since a First Couple seemed to want each other? — Look, Ma, no hands! Only one cool forehead and some extra-strength hairspray touch, and yet everything combusts in this Inauguration Night photo. Not since Doris Day and Rock Hudson split a pair of pajamas …

Gridiron singed by Obama no-show — No offense intended, says the Obama White House. — None taken, say the esteemed leaders of the Gridiron Club. — Still, in Washington, a slap does not have to be officially labeled as such for its sound to echo — and its sting to be felt.

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